Charles Bellinger Stewart
Inscription
First Secretary of State in Texas (1806-1885). Came to Texas 1830. Secretary of State, Nov. 1835-Feb. 1836. Signed Declaration of Independence; helped to write Constitution of the Republic in 1836 and the State in 1845; served Montgomery County as District Attorney and three terms as State Representative.
Highest appointed official in Texas, keeper of the state seal, the Secretary of State is named by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate. This office has attracted leaders. Stephen F. Austin, "Father of Texas," held the post in 1836. Secretary Ebenezer Allen in 1845 represented the Republic in annexation, reserving for Texas her public lands-- a prerogative allowed to no other state.
The Secretary of State grants charters; attests the commissions and proclamations of the Governor; assists the Governor in extradition proceedings; registers appointments of the Governor to the many state boards; administers the uniform commercial code of Texas; appoints notaries; publishes the laws of Texas; administers election laws; issues ballots; canvasses returns; files reports of state agencies.
Since Stewart, 83 other men and two women have served Texas as Secretary of State. (1966)
Location
Sources
More markers in Montgomery
Former Homesite of Joseph L. Bennett
Montgomery, TX
Joseph L. Bennett, who came to Texas in 1834 and settled in this area, joined the Texas army in early 1836.
Conroe
Conroe, TX
Established in the forest in 1881 as Isaac Conroe's sawmill, 2-1/2 mi. east of present site, at juncture of two railroads, first named...
The Isaac Conroe Property
Conroe, TX
Temporary Montgomery County Courthouse.
The W. A. "Bay" Evans Home
Conroe, TX
Architect Blum E. Hester, who designed the Creighton Theatre, drew the plans for this house in 1933.
First State Bank of Montgomery
Montgomery, TX
One of first state banks in Texas.